The Impact of Fatigue on the Quality of Life in Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Background: The main objective of this study is to determine whether fatigue in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is associated with a lower quality of life.

Methods: The study included 50 participants with a confirmed diagnosis of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Fatigue levels were assessed using the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, while quality of life was evaluated with the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 questionnaire.

Main findings: Total fatigue and all its components demonstrated a strong negative correlation with all elements of quality of life. A greater number of relapses, higher Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores, and the presence of comorbidities were significantly associated with overall fatigue and all its subtypes, while longer disease duration showed significant correlation with overall and physical fatigue. Although women had slightly higher average fatigue scores, this difference was not statistically significant. Age, marital status, and employment status were not significantly associated with fatigue levels, whereas participants with lower levels of education reported higher psychosocial fatigue.

Principal conclusion: The results of this study showed that fatigue had a statistically significant negative impact on the quality of life of patients with RRMS. The duration of the disease, a higher number of relapses, and elevated EDSS scores, as well as the presence of comorbidities, contributed to the development of fatigue, while sex, age, and sociodemographic factors, except for the level of education, did not demonstrate a significant influence.